Many picturesque castles line Ireland's vast countryside ranging from romantic castles, towers, stately Chieftain Castles, and Irish Castle Hotels. Explore the character and history of these must see castles in Ireland and let Keytours Vacations help you experience them first-hand.
Vacation Packages: Experience the best of Ireland with our 8-Day Discover Ireland Castles Self-Drive from Dublin from $1,095 (Land Only) Vacation Package
Explore Dublin and then drive west, staying in castle hotels along the way. You will have the opportunity to visit Galway, Clifden, unspoiled, beautiful Connemara, Gothic Kylemore Abbey, Clare, the Burren, and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher as well as Tralee, the Dingle Peninsula, the remote Blasket Islands, Limerick city, the imposing Rock of Cashel, and historic Kildare Town.
Call (800) 576-1784 for a free consultation today!
1. Trim Castle
Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland, is located on the south bank of the River Boyne in Trim, County Meath, Ireland. It was built in the 12th century during the Norman rule and was the centre of the Norman administration for the Lordship of Meath.
2. Bunratty Castle
Bunratty Castle, located in County Clare, is hailed as one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. It was opened to the public in 1962 as a National Monument as is open to visitors year round. It is the most complete and authentically restored castle in Ireland.
3. Blarney Castle
The Blarney Castle is in Blarney, close to Cork, is one of Ireland's most visually attractive castles and was built in the 15th century. The Blarney castle is one of the most famous castles in Ireland and is home to the Blarney Stone where according to legend kissing the stone endows the kisser with the skill of flattery. The castle is a popular tourist site in Ireland and attracts visitors from all over the world to kiss the stone and tour the castle and its gardens.
4. Slane Castle
The Slane Castle is in County Meath Ireland and overlooks the River Boyne. The castle now hosts many high profile events as well as weddings, gala dinners, and corporate functions and holds concerts in the natural amphitheater below the castle.
5. Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel is a spectacular group of iconic Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including a High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle, and the restored Hall of the Vicars Chora.
6. Kilkenny Castle
The Kilkenny Castle stands as a reminder of the Norman rule in Ireland during the 13th century and would have been used as a defensive fortress during the time. The grounds include extensive parklands and an art gallery.
7. Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle in Connemara Ireland. The estate includes large walled Victorian Gardens which are open for public tours and nature walks.
8. Dublin Castle
Since its foundation in 1204 Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of the city. Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments which are the most important state rooms in the country.
9. Birr Castle
Birr Castle is a 90 room castle situated on a 1200 acre walled estate including the Award-Winning Birr Castle Gardens which are home to rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, walks along peaceful rivers and the lake, and the world's tallest box hedges. The castle grounds are also home to Ireland's Historic Science Centre, a museum of Ireland's historic scientists and their contributions to astronomy and botany.
Other Ireland Packages
Vacation Packages: Experience the best of Ireland with our 5-Day West Ireland Discovery from $845 (Land Only) Vacation Package
Start in Dublin and travel west to Galway, stopping en-route at the Kilbeggan Distillery and a traditional pub. Drive to the ‘fertile rocks’ of the Burren and visit the plunging Cliffs of Moher. Three nights in charming lakeside Killarney will give you enough time to marvel at the stunning coastal scenery on the Dingle Peninsula, stroll through colorful Dingle town, and tour the dramatic Ring of Kerry.
Call (800) 576-1784 for a free consultation today!
Vacation Packages: Experience the best of Ireland with our 8-Day Ireland Panorama from $1,395 (Land Only) Vacation Package
A panoramic tour of Ireland, its emerald landscapes, sparkling waterways, castles, and monuments. You will drive along the scenic Ring of Kerry and the plunging Cliffs of Moher, take a horse-drawn carriage ride in Killarney Park, see the Burren, Galway, and breathtaking Connemara and have the opportunity, in Dublin, to view the stunningly beautiful Book of Kells.
Call (800) 576-1784 for a free consultation today!
Vacation Packages: Experience the best of Ireland with our 6-Day Ireland Highlights from $995 (Land Only) Vacation Package
Get a glimpse of Dublin, Ireland’s lively capital and largest city. Kiss the historic Blarney Stone, drive along the scenic Ring of Kerry, visit the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, and take a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride in Killarney National Park.
Call (800) 576-1784 for a free consultation today!
